Designer Handbags

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Fall is just around the corner, and that means it's almost time to swap your sandals out for sturdy boots and replace your paper-thin tanks with cashmere pullovers. It's also the perfect time to retire your tried-and-true summer totes in favor of the new handbag shapes from the Fall 08 runways. We sifted through the upcoming season's most exciting new designs with some of your favorite celebrity muses in mind, and assembled a lust-invoking lineup of hobos and totes galore. Hopefully our researching and matchmaking will jumpstart your handbag quest and you'll enjoy this installment of What Would She Wear: Fall Handbags!

Kate Bosworth / Chloé Metal Petal Bag ($3,385)
The intelligently ornate embellishments and cylinder-like structure of this new Chloé bag is perfectly suited for handbag statement-maker, Kate Bosworth. The bag's bucket-shaped body bag is pieced together from round, metallic-petal-studded portions of supple leather for an irresistibly chic and whimsical result. The tassel-embellished tote, shown here in red leather, is also available in white and black at Chloé boutiques nationwide. Also take inspiration from Chloe's killer version and look for similar color and shapes like the Circle Stud Chain Bag ($26) from ASOS or the Brighton Caprice Woven Tote ($240).

Reese Witherspoon / Givenchy Charm Hobo ($2,411)
Witherspoon has always been partial to Givenchy bags (she carried a collection of Nightingales last summer) and this new slouchy shape is one we could see her toting around. The bag fuses practical (luscious black leather) and girly (dangling heart and horn charms) for a look that's totally Witherspoonish. Alternatively, try the Bhollylhb Hobo ($228) Steve Madden for a similarly unstructured style.

Michelle Williams / 3.1 Phillip Lim Lotte Handbag ($475)
We were drawn to the classic doctor-bag shape and versatile grey embossed leather of this new handbag from 3.1 Phillip Lim. It's understated and chic, two qualities that made us instantly think it would be the perfect fit for Williams. We could see her wearing it with a cozy oversized sweater and jeans or carrying it in the evening with a crisp blazer. We also liked the similar shape and color of the Robson Hexagonal Tote ($260) from Banana Republic and the Woven Duffel ($80) from Shop Intuition.

Rihanna / Gucci Babouska Button Bag ($3,195)
Gucci's new handbag style for fall has all of the show-stealing good looks we'd expect to come from Rihanna. The black leather Babouska Bag is adorned with bold hardware and a heart-shaped crest resulting in an overall appearance that's both ultra-femme and edgy. Can't shell out three grand? Try the Bebop Betsey Satchel ($225) or the Tuft Daddy Weekender ($154), both from Betsey Johnson.

Peaches Geldof / Mulberry Milton Hobo Bag ($1,295)
Brit it-girl Peaches Geldof's personal style favors clean lines and muted palettes, so pairing her with this amazing Mulberry bag was a no brainer. It's equal parts sharp and structured, and the fresh hobo shape is fashionably convenient thanks to a long strap. The Milton Hobo is available online in tan and teal leather, and in stores in black, anthracite, nutmeg, pacific, dark purple, mastic, and metallic midnight blue and bronze. We also adore Alexis Hudson's slim
Mont Blanc Bag ($525), which has similar hardware and an equally slim silhouette.

Zoe Kravitz / True Religion Phoebe Tote ($399)
Complete with weighty fringe and beaded hemp charms, True Religion's Phoebe Tote is a great laid-back bag for fall. The bohemian drawstring tote exemplifies haute hippie style and is simply so Kravitz. In addition to the white leather version shown above, the bag is also available in as red, turquoise, and whiskey leather. -Allison Wood